Saturday, February 11, 2012
Architects busy designing Blueprints for new hospital
Gathering of US conservatives attracts protesters WASHINGTON (AFP) - Several hundred protesters gathered outside a conservative conclave hosting Republican presidential hopefuls yesterday, with frontrunner Mitt Romney singled out for attack as the candidate of the rich. The protest outside a Washington hotel where the Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC), a key lobbying group, was holding its annual meeting was organized by the AFL-CIO labor confederation and other grass-roots organizations, including the anti-capitalist Occupy Movement. "The Republican party is a party running on money, greed and Wall Street," said Cindy Walsh, a protester from Baltimore.
"Romney has a history of being a corporate raider," she added. "He made all of his money do ing all the things that Wall Street does. We don't want him as a candidate." Protesters gathered around a giant inflatable figure of a cat strangling a worker, a symbol of the "one percent of fat cats who control the economy," one protester said. Others erected tents that have become the trademark of the Occupy movement. "This country is up for sale to the highest bidder," said Barry Knight, an Occupy activist. "We say no. Both sides (...) work no longer for the interests of the people. We have to get rid of the big money in politics."
ORANJESTAD -- One of the big projects to be completed by 2015 is the renovation and expantion of the Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital. After an indepth study, research and planning they decided to enlist the services of an architectural company to come up with a design according to the stramin of the government. It is expected that by August the project could be ready to be offered as a pu signing of an MOU, which was followed by the preparation of the requirements to employ the services of architects. During this time period they were also engaged in adapting several existing laws, which needed to be approved by Parliament. The SOGA Foundation (Stichting Onroerend Goed Aruba), which is the foundation responsible for the management of government buildings, sought the services of an expert to assist them with the entire procedure. According to Junior Tromp, next week SOGA will be singing the contract with the architect who is charged with drawing up the blue prints. He
Check it out at: http://www.themorningnewsaruba.com/index.php/photography-contest
expects the plans to be drawn up in time to be offered as a public tender in the month of July and to begin the consrtruction a month later. The government’s original plan was to construct two additional towers to add to the existing Hospital tower, making the Dr. Horacio Oduber a three-tower complex. However, this idea was abandoned, which means that the cost will be considerably less as a result of that change. The Infra-Team has an agreement with SOGA, who is financing the project, that the first phase to be constructed will be the new tower. The size is estimated to be around 10 thousand square meters which is about 60% of the existing hospital space. It will be a six-story building with a new and modern emergency room on the ground floor. The other areas to be moved to the new tower
will be the Labor and Delivery Room, and a children’s section divided by age groups. The new tower is designed to create 90 new rooms, thirty rooms divided over three floors. The rooms will be for one or two persons affording patients much more room space. Nurses will be able to monitor all rooms from one central station. Construction time for the entire new area is estimated to take one and a half years. As soon as the new tower is complete, they will proceed with the renovation of the existing tower, according to Junior Tromp. Every effort will be made not to disturb patients with construction noises. The work will be divided into two phases: first they will begin at the top area of the building and then the lower area of the building. Continued on page 3
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Saturday, February 11, 2012
Final of Recycle Campaign Last few weeks to win a weekend at of SETAR telephone cards Boardwalk Retreat with THE Organized by Gabriel Flores Foundation
MORNING NEWS The end of Carnival 58 is a couple of short weeks away, and this weekend, with the Tivoli Lighting Parade tonight and the Oranjestad Children’s Carnival tomorrow, spectators with their cameras ready will find they have a several fantastic opportunities to win a three day/two night stay at the stunning Boardwalk Retreat in Malmok. THE MORNING NEWS Carnival photo contest is offering excellent prizes for sub-
Recently, the final of the Recycle Campaign of SETAR telephone cards organized by Gabriel Flores Foundation was held at the YMCA Dakota. The campaign was held among different kindergarten schools to teach the children to be more aware of their environment. The theme of the campaign was also a celebration of Aruba’s Status Aparte and SETAR N.V.’s 25 years anniversary. All the participating
schools did their utmost on the project and were able to show their creativity and ….when presenting their pieces. First place winners were : Bon Bini Madiki School; 2nd place: Jacintha Kleuter School; 3rd place: St. Francisco Colegio Madiki. The foundation wishes to thank everyone who in one way or the other helped in making this event possible, especially Marlon Sneek. A special thanks also to Mr. Sprook with his Organ Grinder.
scribers who share their carnival experience with our readers. Full contest rules and requirements can be found on our website www.themorningnewsaruba.com. The grand prize is a stay at the stunning Boardwalk Retreat, across from the Marriott Resort and what will be the Ritz Carlton. If any facility on Aruba deserves the description of “retreat” it is the Boardwalk apartments. Not only are their 13 casitas situated among the most gorgeous groupings of tropical fauna, the rooms are amazing, spacious, one-bedroom suites at the minimum, comfortably accommodating at least 4 or more, fully equipped with all appliances. Each has a private terrace or patio with individual hammock and barbecue; the efficient staff will even clean it daily, so guests can truly relax
1bedroom casita living room
earns a raffle ticket towards a final drawing for round trip airfare to Bonaire with Tiara Air Aruba. There is no cost of any kind to enter; the only requirement is to subscribe to THE MORNING NEWS online and “like” our Facebook page; both of which are absolutely free! So everyone is a winner! Not only do you have a chance to win a stay at the fabulous
and enjoy these amenities. A short walk from the beach, Boardwalk also sports a delightfully cozy pool deck, provides coolers for their patrons to use during the day at the beach, and has arrangements with MooMba to provide lounges for their guests. THE MORNING NEWS is very pleased and proud to be able to offer this exciting and special prize as its grand prize. Each photo submitted also
Boardwalk or the other great prizes, trip for 2 on the Mi Dushi sailboat or the ultimate Play Package at Cool Casino, but you will have Aruba’s best source for local news in English delivered to your e-mail inbox daily the moment it goes online. Keep up with all that is happening on the island and share your carnival experience to win big with THE MORNING NEWS! by Rosalie Klein
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Blueprints for new hospital... Everything is cool with a week full of fun Continued from page 1 at Cool Casino Patients will be moved to the pate from the area as rapidly as
area that is not under constructon and later moved to the other area once the work at one area is completed. By 2015 the renovation should be completed. The maintenance of the renovation and new addition to the Hospital will be completely for the account of the SOGA foundation. To recapitulate, they have chosen for one new building rather than three buildings. The new building will be built on the parking lot area next to the Emergency Room. The problem of water settlement that the Hospoital has been battling for a long time, will also be incorporated into the new building plans. They will ensure that all rain water will have a way to dissi-
possible. The plans will also include a parking area to relief the existing parking problem the Hospital has today. The plans also take into account any future expantion. According to Junior Tromp, they have taken into account all the requirements and demands listed for the past 10 years. Only minor changes have been made to those previous requirements and demands. The only major difference to the original propositions is the amount of towers. Reportedly, all stakeholders are involved in the expansion and renovation plan of our Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital.
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week Cool Casino has happy winners. They are continually replenishing and refreshing their slots, and have just received 12 Novamatic machines with attractive and unique game illustrations. Cool Casino cordially invites everyone to its famous Black Jack Tournament, which takes place every Tuesday and Friday starting at 7:30 p.m. All winners will receive COOL prizes. On Saturdays and Sundays the casino has its COOL Coffee Morning and on Sunday evening the casino has its Free Slot Tournament, starting at 7 p.m. A special invitation goes to all who are interested in becoming a Cool Casino Players Club member. You can accumulate points while playing on
the slot machines and change them for gift certificates or meal vouchers in the best restaurants on the island. Cool Casino has a full schedule with different activities for everyone to enjoy and win COOL prizes, check it out!
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Saturday, February 11, 2012
Friends of the Handicapped is La Trattoria el Faro Blanco offers gearing up for the Valentine’s the ultimate romantic experience this February 14 Day Sweetheart’s Dance Starting with a fantastic donation from Noble Jewelers!
Two new exotic cocktails added to their menu
La Trattoria Crew with Miss Aruba World
Nash hands over the donation to Art Stark The special day for lovers, wonderful prizes is a favorite February 14, fast approaches, after-dinner entertainment, the and those who really care to pinnacle being the selection of make the day memorable with the winner of the remarkable their significant other are snap- item Nash has proudly provided ping up tickets for the annual each year, without fail. This year, Nash handed Friends of the Handicapped over a one-of-a-kind tennis Sweetheart’s Dinner Dance. FOTH is a group of long- bracelet from Italy featuring 2 time island visitors who have carats of fine rubies and 2 been wintering on Aruba for carats modern round brilliant more than 20 years, and 24 cut diamonds set in 14k yellow years ago they registered a gold, valued at $2000. Both Art and Nash were foundation dedicated to conducting fundraising events, of beaming at the thought of the which 100% of the proceeds funds this will raise in the supare donated to local charities plementary raffle to assist the assisting the physically and less fortunate. In the years that mentally challenged, but has FOTH members have been grown to include foundations dedicating their time to volunwhich feed hungry children, or teering on Aruba, they have care for terminal patients and raised over 1.2 million dollars. Tickets can be purchased for those with Alzheimer’s. Art Stark is the President of the Sweetheart Dinner Dance FOTH, and on Thursday, Febru- from the concierge desk at the ary 9, he made his annual pil- Radisson Resort, where it will grimage to Noble Jewelers in be held this Valentine’s Day, beOranjestad, where he was ginning at 7:00 PM with a trawarmly greeted by owner Nash, ditional “Happy Hour” open who every year donates a unique bar with Hors D’oeuvres, foland valuable piece for them to lowed by a three-course meal feature in their fundraising raf- with unlimited wine. Continued on page 5 fle. The drawing for dozens of
coming Valentine’s Day, any islander will tell you one of the most romantic spots for an intimate dinner for two is the restaurant on the mount at Aruba’s northwest point, La Trattoria el Faro Blanco, named for the lighthouse adjacent. Arashi Blue and California Crazy Not only do they have a wonderfully extensive Italian menu, but staff Bartender Rafael creator of the members were proud to innew drinks troduce two exotic new drinks devised by their vetUndeniably, if you are looking for the ultimate in romance this eran bartender Rafael, inspired
You and Me comes with 2 straws
by the nature that surrounds the restaurant and the landmark for which it is named (the white lighthouse.) Continued on page 5
Saturday, February 11, 2012
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Alien Admission Department closed on Monday, February 13 ORANJESTAD – The Department of Labor Progresso (DPL) announces to its clients that its Alien Admission Department will be closed to the public on Monday, February 13, 2012. This is due to personnel receiving an in-house course on work efficiency, which is based on the department’s 2012 new management. All other departments, such as Job Center and Manpower Planning will be open to the public as usual. DPL kindly asks anyone concerned to take notice of this in order to avoid any inconvenience.
Valentine’s Day Sweetheart’s Dance Continued from page 4 The night includes roses for the ladies (or men too if they want) provided by Elsa’s Flower Shop, and dancing to popular local band NBO afterwards. Tickets are $90 per person (150 Aruban florins) and can be purchased at the concierge desk of the Radisson Resort in Palm Beach, with Anoushka in the Executive Offices of the Casa Del Mar Resort, or by calling Art at 567-4102, who can also provide raffle tickets. Those who have been attending the dinner dance annually will tell you there is absolutely no better way to enjoy Valentine’s Day with a special someone, and whether your ticket is called during the raffle or not, everyone goes home feeling like a winner!
by Rosalie Klein
La Trattoria el Faro Blanco offers the ultimate romantic experience this February 14 Continued from page 4
The California Lighthouse, named for a ship wrecked on Aruba’s north shore in 1898, has inspired the “Crazy California,” a tasty concoction of orange juice, vodka, Grand Marnier and Midori liqueurs, with a touch of grenadine. Its look and color will remind you of the stunning sunset you are observing as you sip it, with a sunny flavor to match. Also new on the drink
menu is “Arashi Blue,” inspired by the turquoise waters off the lovely beach closest to the restaurant. This is a frozen concoction containing pineapple juice, vodka, coconut cream and blue Curacao Liqueur; a pina-colada with a distinctly Aruban twist. Joining these two new menu entries, especially for Valentine’s Day, is “Me & You,” a delightful drink meant to be consumed by a devoted couple, and served with twin straws. Based on the popular
pineapple/coconut cream base, it is also laced with Bailey’s, White Cream de Cacao and Frangelico liqueurs; a tasty treat for two. La Trattoia El Faro Blanco also announced that throughout the month of February they have a special offer to encourage those seeking the amorous dining spot of their dreams to discover their lovely restaurant. Patrons have a choice between a free soup, salad or glass of wine, or can select to have 20% deducted
from their bill at the end of the evening; this is a limited time offer. Those wishing to watch the sunset from this ideal vantage point while enjoying a superb Italian dinner are encourage to reserve early for the optimal hours, as that time in particular is always in demand. Reservations can be made by calling 586-0786 or visit their website, http://www.aruba-latrattoria. com/ where you can peruse the menu. by Rosalie Klein
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Saturday, February 11, 2012
INTERNATIONAL NEWS Sandusky set for May 14 trial date
Hungary orders Danube closed amid big freeze BUDAPEST (AFP) - Hungary closed the Danube to river traffic yesterday due to thick ice, bringing shipping to a near standstill on Europe's busiest waterway, as the continent's cold snap death toll passed 540. "Shipping was ordered stopped overnight Thursday to Friday because of conditions created by icing along the Hungarian part of the river," Istvan Lang, who heads the national technical supervisory body OMIT said. "All ships still underway must immediately head for the closest harbour," Lang, quoted by MTI news agency, said. Hungary's navy had to send its biggest icebreaker to try to ram through the frozen river at Budapest. The freeze had already forced other countries along the Danube, including Austria, Croatia, Serbia, and Bulgaria, to suspend river traffic. The 2,860-kilometer (1,780mile) river, which flows through 10 countries and is vital for transport, power, irrigation, industry and fishing, was nearly wholly blocked, from Austria to its mouth on the Black Sea. Forecasters expect the cold snap, which started two weeks ago, to continue until mid-February. So far the freeze has claimed 37 lives in the Balkans -- 16 in Serbia, 11 in Bosnia,
five in Slovakia, four in Montenegro, three in Croatia, two in Macedonia and one in Albania. At least 135 people have died of the cold in the the Ukraine, 82 in Poland, 46 in Russia, 25 in the Czech Republic, and 24 in Lithuania. Serbia's government reduced power supplies to 2,000 companies it said were not vital to everyday life and appealed to consumers to cut energy use by 10 percent. And Zoran Manasijevic of state-run Electric Power Industry of Serbia warned that vital energy imports would drop when Bulgaria cut its supply on Monday, "which will make our situation harder." In the southern village of Varasti, inhabitants had to tunnel their way out from under four meters (13 feet) of snow. In Bulgaria where 32 have died, authorities continued a massive relief effort in the southeastern village of Biser, submerged under the icy waters of a nearby dam that burst on Monday. The ensuing floods killed 10 people. In France, the death toll increased to at least 12 as the cold claimed two more lives. A nuclear reactor at the Cattenom plant shut down because of a fault, placing fresh pressure on the already strained national power grid Friday, state energy giant EDF said.
BELLEFONTE (AFP) - Former Penn State assistant American football coach Jerry Sandusky, who faces 52 charges of child sex abuse involving 10 boys, was given yesterday a tentative trial date of May 14. Judge John Cleland set the date but did not rule on several other issues, including some that would impact the former coach's restricted bail status and one that would seat a jury from outside the college's home county. Prosecutors seek to have Sandusky forced to remain within his home while awaiting trial. Neighbors and staff at a nearby school have complained about Sandusky's pre-
sence on his deck with his dog. Attorney Joe Amendola wants his client to be allowed out of his house at times to help with his defense and asked that Sandusky, 68, be allowed to see his grandchildren. Prosecutors objected, saying at least one Sandusky daughter-in-law has major objections to her children spending time with him. Sandusky, who has denied the charges, was the central figure in a scandal that led to the firing of the late Joe Paterno, an inconic coach at Penn State with a record number of wins in US collegiate gridiron history, and two other officials. He told Cleland that he considered a jury from Centre
Jerry Sandusky,
County would be no more or less biased than one from any other Pennsylvania jurisdiction, a position that would preclude any later charges of jury bias.
Obama to forecast $1.33 trillion budget deficit WASHINGTON (AFP) - President Barack Obama's budget to be released on Monday will project a $1.3 trillion deficit for the current fiscal year, slightly higher than $1.296 trillion in 2011, an administration official said. Obama's last annual budget before he seeks reelection in November will also project a $901 billion deficit for fiscal year 2013 (beginning October 2012), and will frame his campaign trail message of a fair fight for all. The spending plan, details of which were first reported by the Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones Newswires, will also include more than $350 billion for short-term job creation programs. The official confirmed that the proposal also includes $476 billion dollars in infrastructure spending on roads and other transport projects and includes more than $360 billion in savings from government-run health programs for seniors and the poor. The budget is likely to mir-
ror a spending plan laid out to avert a government shutdown in September. Meanwhile US Treasury figures for the first four months of fiscal 2012 showed that the US sliced its deficit by 16.6 percent from a year earlier. A 3.2 percent cut in spending coupled with a sharp rise in tax receipts helped bring down the four-month deficit to $349 billion from $419 billion a year before.
The main boost to government income came from the corporate sector, where refunds shrank by nearly half and tax payments rose 8.5 percent.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
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Student leader denounces Chile rights violations
UN calls on Argentina, Britain to ease Falkland tensions UNITED NATIONS (AFP) UN lon Friday called yesterday on Argentina and Britain to avoid "escalation" of a dispute over the Falkland islands with the 30th anniversary of their war over the territory looming. Ban's appeal came as Argentina's Foreign Minister Hector Timerman accused Britain of accumulating the "biggest" military power in the South Atlantic, including nuclear arms. With diplomatic tensions rising ahead of the war anniversary, Britain insists it has only been carrying out "routine" operations and maneuvers around the Falklands. After discussing the Falklands with Timerman, Ban "expressed concern about the increasingly strong exchanges between the governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom on this issue," UN spokesman Martin Nesirky said. "He expressed the hope that the governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom will avoid an escalation of this dispute and resolve differences peacefully and through dialogue." Ban said he was ready to use the United Nations' "good offices to resolve this dispute" if both sides requested, his spokesman added. Timerman told reporters
after the Ban meeting that he was at the United Nations "to condemn Great Britain for its militarization of the South Atlantic." "Britain now has the biggest military power in the zone, I gave him (Ban) information about nuclear issues, nuclear arms," he added without giving details. Timerman was also to make a similar complaint to the UN Security Council. But Argentina has not announced what UN action, if any, it is seeking. Britain did not immediately comment on the Ban-Timerman meeting. But it has reaffirmed its stance in recent days that there can be no negotiations over the future of the islands unless the 3,000 Falklands inhabitants want it. Argentina has denounced the deployment of a British destroyer, HMS Dauntless, to the region and the dispatch of Prince William, second in line to the throne, to serve as a rescue helicopter pilot. Britain says the warship, one of the most modern in its fleet, is replacing one already in the area and that William's deployment was a routine part of his job in the Royal Air Force. Media reports say a nuclear-armed submarine has also been sent to the region.
Britain's defence ministry does not comment on submarine deployments. Britain has in turn complained about Argentina withdrawing from joint accords on the Falklands. Argentina in December persuaded the Mercosur Latin American trade bloc to stop Falklands-registered ships from entering member ports. It has also stopped charter flights heading for the Falklands from using Argentine airspace. Diplomats said much of the tensions can be attributed to the anniversary of the South Atlantic conflict sparked by Argentina's invasion of the islands on April 2, 1982. Britain sent a task force to retake the territory that it has held since 1833. The 74-day war cost the lives of 649 Argentine and 255 British troops and three Falkland Islanders. Since the war, the UN General Assembly has passed resolutions calling on Britain and Argentina to negotiate a settlement. Argentina also presses its claim each year at the UN's Decolonization Committee. But Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron has insisted that Argentina must respect the UN Charter's insistence on self-determination for the people of disputed territories.
GENEVA (AFP) - UN rights monitors should visit Chile to check the rights situation there, a leading student leader told reporters in Geneva yesterday. "We feel that you've been sold an image of our country that does not correspond to what is our reality, which was behind the major demonstrations of 2011," Camila Vallejo told journalists. Vallejo, the 23-year-old deputy president of the University of Chile's Student Federation, said they had extended an open invitation to the UN's rapporteurs on education, illegal detention and torture to travel to Chile. She was critical in particular of a bill before the Chilean parliament, which she said would "criminalize" the right
to demonstrate, allowing the courts to impose sentences of up to three years in jail. The charismatic Vallejo shot to fame during the 2011 student demonstrations in Chile, which denounced the gulf between public and private education in a series of massive demonstrations. She is in Geneva as part of a tour of European countries and is due to meet officials including the UN human rights chief Navi Pillay, and Juan Somavia, head of the International Labour Organization. Vallejo was accompanied by the head of the country's Young Communists, Karol Cariola and Jorge Murua, the leader of the Central Union of Workers (CUT).
CaraCas : Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez shows a replica of the VENEsaT-1 (simon Bolivar) satellite, constructed and launched by China as part of a an agreement between the two governments, in Caracas, yesterday. Yesterday, 50 Venezuelan students departed to China, to be trained in satellite technology, development of software and technical formation for the management of satellites from Earth -- a condition included in the agreement. (aFP PHOTO)
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Saturday, February 11, 2012
No-one to play with Health & Living at school: India's Obama forges compromise birth control plan infanticide crisis
Padma Kanwar Bhatti smiling as she sits among a classroom of boys.
DEVDA (AFP) - As the only girl in her noisy classroom of 22 boys, Padma Kanwar Bhatti is one defiant symbol of the toll exacted by India's deadly preference for male children. Padma, 15, lives with her parents and two elder brothers in Devda, a village of 2,500 people in the Rajasthan state district of Jaisalmer, which has one of the worst female sex ratios in the country. "There is no other girl in my class and there are very few girls in our village," she says hesitantly. Padma chooses to stare at her social science text book when asked why there are less girls and more boys in her village, set in the barren lands of the Thar desert. "Girls die," she says in Marwari, the main language of Rajasthan. Almost everyone in Devda and neighbouring villages acknowledges the reality of female infanticide, a crime based in ancient custom and continued today even as much of India undergoes rapid economic and social change. "We are crazy for boys. We mourn when girls are born," says Rajan Singhi, a farmer in Devda and a father of two boys, who is proud of his long ancestry as a member of the warrior Bhatti Rajput clan. In most cases the killing takes place within 24 hours of a baby's birth and the crime is committed either by the mother or the midwife, he says. "I have heard that people administer opium or thrust a small but heavy sack filled with sand or mustard seeds on the baby's face. Many mothers
do not breast feed their daughter, starving the child to death," Singhi says. Local historians believe infanticide in the region may have its roots in wars fought generations ago when Rajput Hindu clan elders chose to kill their daughters to save them from rape by Muslim invaders. The Muslim attackers would plunder Hindu villages, rape girls and throw them in the village wells. "Unable to deal with the dishonour, the Rajputs chose to kill their daughters," Umashankar Tyagi, a social historian in Jaipur, the state capital of Rajasthan, told AFP. In peace time, the custom continued to thrive, Tyagi said, explaining that "the expense of dowries, illiteracy, poverty are the new justification for infanticide". Clan elders and state government officials say that just two Devda girls have had weddings in the village in the past 100 years. The situation reflects a nationwide crisis in India, where the preference for boys is partly due to the key role sons play in Hindu funeral ceremonies. Other factors are the substantial -- and illegal -- dowries that a father must provide for his daughter's new family at her wedding, and the fact that sons are often seen as breadwinners and daughters as financial burdens. As many as half a million female foetuses are estimated to be aborted each year in India, according to a study by British medical journal The Lancet.
WASHINGTON (AFP) - US President Barack Obama Friday announced a compromise to defuse a row over access to birth control which prompted election-year Republican critics to claim he was waging a war on religion. In a concession, Obama said his government would no longer require religious organizations to offer free contraception on employee health plans and decried opponents he said had turned the issue into a "political football." But he stuck by the principle that all women should have free access to such services, putting the onus on insurance firms to offer birth control to those working for religious employers like Catholic hospitals. "These employers will not have to pay for or provide contraceptive services. But women who work at these institutions will have access to
free contraceptive services just like other women," Obama said. "Religious liberty will be protected, and a law that requires free preventive care will not discriminate against women." The fight erupted when the administration decided not to exempt religious employers from a requirement under its health reform law that workbased insurance plans offer women coverage for contraception. Officials argued that a woman who worked, for example, as a nurse at a Catholic hospital might not share their employer's religious opposition to contraception and should have the same rights as female workers elsewhere. Catholic leaders were outraged -- though houses of worship were exempt -- and Republicans used the row to
whip up a social issues storm, firing up their conservative political base in an election year. Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum on Friday accused Obama of stooping to coercion. "It's not about contraception. It's about economic liberty, it's about freedom of speech, it's about freedom of religion," Santorum said at a conservative conference in Washington. Polls show a majority of Catholics -- and the US public at large -- support the president's position, which has drawn heavy fire from some of the church's largest groups because contraception is against its teachings. But the White House may have been concerned that the row could harm Obama's standing among blue-collar white Catholic voters who play an important role in presidential election swing states like Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
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Sci-Tech
FBI releases background check file on Steve Jobs
Putin receives 'prehistoric' water from Antarctic lake MOSCOW (AFP) - Prime Minister Vladimir Putin was given a water sample Friday taken from a pristine lake hidden under Antarctic ice for over a million years, after Russian scientists drilled down to its surface. The Russian strongman, who enjoys venturing into the wilderness and has accompanied an expedition to track polar bears in the Arctic, was the first recipient of a symbolic water sample. "The head of the natural resources ministry has given Vladimir Putin the first sample of prehistoric water the Russian polar expedition extracted from the subglacial lake in Antarctica," the Russian government said. "The age of the water could be over 1 million years," it said. Natural Resources and Ecology Minister Yury Trutnev handed Putin a small glass container containing a yellowish liquid with the inscription "Lake Vostok, aged more than 1 million years," the state RIA Novosti news agency reported. With characteristic dry humour, Putin asked Trutnev whether he had tried drinking
the water. "No," Trutnev answered. "That would have been curious. Dinosaurs drank it and Trutnev," Putin said in comments released by the government. A Russian expedition on Sunday sunk a borehole down to the surface of the pristine subglacial fresh water lake, hidden under almost 4 kilometres (2.3 miles) of ice and raised a column of water for scientists to study. Putin, who is planning to reclaim his old Kremlin job in March elections, called for the scientists behind the discovery to be decorated. The water given to Putin probably did not come from the main body of the lake, but was frozen lake ice raised from the borehole just before it reached the lake's surface, an expert behind the project told RIA Novosti. The costly project is a rare triumph for national science and has excited scientists around the world with its potential for discoveries of new forms of life and revelations about millions of years of the Earth's history.
(AFP) - The US Federal Bureau of Investigation released a 191-page file on Steve Jobs that paints an occasionally unflattering portrait of the late Apple founder. The report was compiled during a 1991 background investigation of Jobs by the FBI after former president George H.W. Bush recommended his appointment to the President's Export Council. It consists of interviews with co-workers, friends, family members and even neighbors of Jobs, who died on October 5 of pancreatic cancer at the age of 56. The names of the persons interviewed by the FBI have been redacted from the file released following a Freedom of Information Act request by The Wall Street Journal although their places of employment are frequently identified. The FBI also interviewed Jobs for the background check -- after first being told he would be unavailable for three weeks and could only spare an hour. Jobs told the FBI he had not used any illegal drugs during the past five years but he had experimented with marijuana, hashish and LSD between 1970-74 while in high school and college. The report notes that Jobs had been involved in several lawsuits as chief executive of Apple but had never been arrested and was not a member of the communist party. Jobs, who had left Apple at the time of the background check and was head of NeXT Computer, was described by some of those interviewed as "strongwilled, stubborn, hardworking and driven," the report said, even a "genius." "They further stated, however that Mr. Jobs possesses integrity as long as he gets his way," the report said. "Several individuals questioned Mr. Jobs' honesty stating that Mr. Jobs will twist the truth and distort reality in order to achieve his goals," it said. "Appointee is very truthful and straightforward with people and usually says exactly what he is thinking," it added The report also delved into Jobs' relationship with his former girlfriend and their daughter. "In the past, Mr. Jobs was not supportive of (the mother of his child born out of wedlock) and their daughter: however, recently has become
more supportive," it said. Jobs, in a recent authorized biography by Walter Isaacson, acknowledged both his drug use and that he had not initially been close to his daughter. One woman interviewed by the FBI said that “his success at Apple... also caused him at times to lose sight of honesty and integrity and even caused him to distort the truth at times to get his way," the report said. Another person said Jobs "had undergone a change in philosophy by participating in eastern and/or Indian mysticism and religion. "This change apparently influenced the Appointee's personal life for the better," the
FBI said. "The Appointee lives more of a spartanlike and at times even monastic existence." While some of those interviewed had reservations about Jobs's character, all of them said they would recommend him for a "position of trust and confidence with the US government." Along with the background check file, the FBI released the report of its investigation into a February 1985 bomb threat against Apple in which an unidentified caller demanded $1 million. No bombs were ever found and no money changed hands.
SAO PAOLO - Seen here Participants work on the internet or computer games during the first day of the IT event "5th Campus Party" on February 6, 2012. The event opens 24 hours for 7 days and about 7000 visitors are expected to participate with different interests such as digital art, robotics or computer games. Visitors will camp in the about 5000 tents that were set at Anhembi park in Sao Paulo, Brazil. AFP/PHOTO
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Saturday, February 11, 2012
FEB 11 - FEB 18 O’stad :’ Botica St.Anna N.V.’ - S.N : ‘ ALOE N.V.’
FREE Coverage on our website: www.themorningnewsaruba.com
Saturday, February 11, 2012
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Standard&Poor's downgrades Finance PM: Greece facing 'uncontrolled chaos' 34 Italian banks PARIS (AFP) - Standard and and has asked for European asPoor's yesterday lowered the sistance in helping to drive without debt deal credit rating of 34 Italian banks down borrowing costs for Italy ATHENS (AFP) - Greece's yesteron Friday warned his crumbling coalition that the country faces "uncontrolled chaos" without a debt deal while a two-day strike and protests in Athens left at least ten injured. "A disorderly default would plunge our country in a disastrous adventure," Lucas Papademos told the cabinet after six members of the government, including a minister, resigned in protests against new austerity cuts demanded by Greece's EU-IMF creditors. "It would create conditions of uncontrolled economic chaos and social explosion... sooner or later, (Greece) would be led out of the euro," he warned. "This is an hour of historic responsibility," the PM added. Greece was explicitly told by its eurozone partners this week that it must agree to austerity measures in order to secure the release of further
loans under the $171 billion bailout pending since October. The rescue fund is essential to stave off bankruptcy on March 20, when Athens must repay nearly 14.5 billion euros ($19 billion) in maturing debt. The belt-tightening measures, which have sparked protests and two general strikes, will be taken to a parliament vote on Sunday. The three texts put to a vote will include measures to recapitalise Greek banks, an authorization for Papademos and Finance Minister Venizelos to sign the eurozone bailout, and a bond swap with private creditors designed to wipe out around 100 billion euros from Greece's 350-billion-euro debt, semi-state agency ANA said. Details on the austerity measures will be included in a follow-up law tabled in the next two weeks, the agency said. Earlier yesterday, the farright LAOS party that was part
of the coalition said it would not support further austerity cuts demanded by the EU, the IMF and the European Central Bank, and its four members in government later submitted their resignations. They were followed by the assistant foreign minister for European affairs, a socialist who accused the EU of "fixation" on a labour rights overhaul that contravened the Treaty of Lisbon. The EU and IMF have told Greece to revise labour agreements, slashing minimum wages and facilitating layoffs even though over a million people are already unemployed in Greece, or over 20 percent of the workforce. "This fixation directly violates the Treaty of Lisbon which recognises social cohesion, collective bargaining and the autonomy of social partners as basic values," socialist Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou said.
Brazil's Petrobras to lease 26 drilling rigs for $76 billion RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) Brazilian state-run oil giant Petrobras will lease 26 rigs over 15 years at a total cost of 76 billion dollars for offshore deep-water drilling, its outgoing president said yesterday. Jose Sergio Gabrielli told a press conference that the com-
YEStERDAY’S Crossword Answer
pany's board of directors gave the green light for leasing 21 rigs from the firm Sete Brasil and five dual-drilling rigs from Norwegian operator Ocean Rig to achieve greater productivity. He said the company initially wanted to lease 21 rigs
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but found that the five additional Norwegian rigs could "bring increased productivity with their technology which allows simultaneous dual drilling." This "makes it possible to combine two technologies, the traditional and the new which allows dual drilling in parallel," said Gabrielli, who will be replaced Monday by Maria das Graças Foster, the first woman to head the company. The leasing contract is crucial to Petrobras's plan to tap huge sub-salt deep-water oil fields, which the national oil agency ANP says hold reserves that could surpass 100 billion barrels of high-quality recoverable crude. These fields are off Brazil's southeast Atlantic coast beneath kilometers of ocean, bedrock, and hot salt-beds.
in a move that follows the agency's two-notch downgrade of Italy on January 13. Italy's biggest financial institutions, including UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, Banca Nazionale del Lavoro and Mediobanca, were hit. In January, Standard and Poor's downgraded Italy's credit rating by two notches to BBB+ from A. Since coming to power in November, Prime Minister Mario Monti has pushed through a harsh austerity plan
on the debt markets. The efforts have helped bring Italy's 10-year borrowing rate closer to 6.0 percent after hovering around 7.0 percent late last year, a level largely understood to be unsustainable. With sky-high public debt and an economy headed into a recession, Italy faces a daunting challenge this year as it needs to raise around 450 billion euros ($571 billion) on the markets at higher than usual rates.
HAVANA : AFP photo shows Cubans lining up at a bus stop in Havana, on February 10, 2012. The 50-year-long U.S. embargo to Cuba subjected its people to incredible shortages, but also forced them to find ways to carry on, in which the sociologists call a 'survival culture'.
Current as of: 02/10/2012
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All rates for amounts up to AWG 100.00 per item.
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Saturday, February 11, 2012
A very happy, special birthday for Alma Alexander
A special birthday treat
Here at the paper we always hear stories from island visitors about resort employees who have made a particular impression and contributed so greatly to the enjoyment of their vacation; it is our great pleasure, however, to be contacted by resort operators who feel compelled to tell us about a guest they feel is so exceptional, and has so endeared themselves to their staff, they believe they merit some special treatment above and beyond what is normally hotel policy. Such a dedicated visitor is Alma Alexander from Vancouver Island, Canada, who greatly appreciates the special attention afforded her by Westin Aruba Resort employees, and annually travels for more than 18 hours, suffering connecting flights in Seattle, Dallas and an overnight in Miami, to arrive every January
at her beloved Aruba. Alma began traveling to Aruba with her husband Tom in 1989 after they had tested a number of vacation destinations and informed their travel agent they wanted to go somewhere with “guaranteed good weather.” The recommendation of Aruba did not disappoint; their insistence on a 5-star resort landed them at what was then the Concord and they were equally thrilled with their accommodations. “In the early days, we used to travel everywhere and explore the island,” she recalls. “We tried lots of restaurants, visited museums, did it all.” However, Alma lost Tom four years ago after long years of battling cancer, and it took two years to get used to the idea of traveling here alone, by which time she found she couldn’t get a booking, so she could not return until January of 2011.
Alma spends two months on Aruba, as she did with Tom, when it was their habit to escape Montreal’s harsh winters. They had retired to Vancouver Island some years ago, where the weather is quite mild, no matter the season, but they had no desire to give up their two months in Aruba. “We had bought into the Aruba Royal when it was being built, but honestly, timeshare life was just not our thing, and we ended up back at what was by that time the Wyndham; coming here every year is just like coming home for me.” Since operating under the Westin brand at the end of 2006, she feels nothing has changed. Alma and Tom enjoyed dressing up for dinner; it was part of their daily ritual, and she continues to do so. Since being on her own and having experienced most restaurants here, she no longer feels a need to go beyond dining at either of the resort’s two specialty venues, and any night of the week you will find her at her special table in either Pago-Pago or Baci Italian Restaurant. “There were some dishes on the menu at Baci I particularly loved, like this pizza named for the former owner, with sautéed onions and shrimp. Even though it isn’t any longer, the kitchen made it for me when I mention how I missed it.” She also feels that PagoPago and their new menu is as fine as she could find anywhere, and is impressed by every dish she has tried. Alma is a truly qualified to judge as she is so renowned among friends as an excellent chef, she had even been requested to lecture on cooking. She also ran her own “Alma’s B & B” in Montreal for nine years, which was enormously successful simply by word of mouth, making her an expert on service and hospitality. “From the moment I arrive I am greeted by name by the bellman, the wait staff, the housekeepers, even the chefs. William in the Pago-Pago kitchen personally makes my nightly latte, which is dessert for me. It is something new he
Happy Birthday from the entire Pago Pago crew
suggested I try, and it won me over.” William was joined by Pago-Pago staffers and F & B Manager Justin Carson in presenting Alma with her personal birthday cake and a rendition of “Happy Birthday” when they treated her to a special dinner at the restaurant on Thursday evening, February 9, in appreciation of not only her loyal patronage, but her de-
lightful presence during the two months she stays with them every year. Alma exclaimed, “Coming here is just such a joy for me,” and Westin staff wanted her to know it was equally a joy for them. Happy Birthday Alma from THE MORNING NEWS, may you enjoy many more special birthdays on Aruba with all your friends at the Westin Resort.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
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It's important to protect your children's skin from the damaging effects of the sun. No matter what they're doing or what time of year it is, if they are outdoors, they need to be protected. Aruba is one of the places in the world where the sun is the strongest. Located only 12.5 degrees north of the equator, the sun shines with maximum strength and penetrates the atmosphere with a maximum amount of UV rays. What most people don’t know on water and sand, which means that even in the shade you need protection. Protecting the skin from the sun during childhood and adolescence is important in reducing cancer risks later in life. By building safe sun habits into your family's daily routine, you will make your children understand and get used to hazy or overcast days. •Keep an extra bottle of being protected against the sun and they will become more sunscreen in the car. •Pack a bottle of sunscreen in your child's bag. •Use Sunglasses that block UV rays and protect the eyes and the surrounding tender skin. •Play in the Shade. The sun's rays are generally strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If your children are outdoors, make sure their skin is protected. •Teach your children the shadow rule. When outside, if your shadow is shorter than you are, it means that the sun is high in the sky and the UV rays are most intense. •Protect children younger than 6 months of age with aware of the harmful effects it clothing and keep them in the can have to their skin. Parents should take the lead by giving shade. For more advice on how to the good example; children best protect your and your chilwill respond better when they dren’s skin against the sun, see their parents protecting please call Aruba Aloe: 588their skin as well. Important recommendations: 3222 or visit the website •Wear protective clothing www.ArubaAloe.com Aruba Aloe products are when out in the sun. Choose shirts and slacks made of available at most hotels, supertightly woven fabrics that you markets, pharmacies and the Aruba Aloe Stores.
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Cycling:
SPORTS Tennis: Sharapova stunned by Kerber at Paris Open PARIS (AFP) - Top seed Maria Sharapova crashed out of the WTA Paris Open in the quarter-finals on Friday after falling 6-4, 6-4 to German ninth seed Angelique Kerber. Sharapova had breezed past Kerber in straight sets en route to the Australian Open final last month but the 24-year-old exacted sweet revenge on the world number three at a disbelieving Pierre de Coubertin indoor arena. "It was a tough day because my opponent played really well," admitted Sharapova. "I did have opportunities but I didn't take them today. "I was up in both sets and I had breaks but she played extremely well -- much better than I did, in any case. Kerber, the world number 27, had never previously beaten a top-10 player and will now face either Belgian world number 29 Yanina Wickmayer or 21-year-old German qualifier Mona Barthel for a place in the final. "It's amazing," said Kerber. "It's my first top-five win. "I tried to do that and I'm very happy that I beat her and I'm in the semis." Playing in her first tournament since losing to Victoria Azarenka in the Melbourne final, Sharapova broke Kerber's serve twice in the opening set, only for the German left-hander to break back on both occasions. Kerber, who reached the
semi-finals at last year's US Open, produced some flashing groundstrokes to go 5-4 up but the loss of the first set was all Sharapova's doing. The Russian netted a simple volley to hand her opponent a set point and then found the net again with an attempted down-the-line forehand to gift Kerber an unexpected one-set lead. Sharapova's shot-making took an erratic turn in a tight second set and after once again failing to protect an early break of serve, she tamely conceded defeat on Kerber's first match point with an over-hit backhand. Second seed Marion Bartoli, the last Frenchwoman in the draw, came perilously close to following Sharapova out of the tournament before fighting back from 4-6, 1-4 down to defeat Italian seventh seed Roberta Vinci 4-6, 6-4, 76 (7/2). Roared on by her home crowd, the world number seven battled from 5-2 behind in the deciding set to force a tie-break before clinching a thrilling victory in two hours and 39 minutes. She will now face world number 51 Klara Zakopalova on Saturday, after the Czech came from behind to win 3-6, 7-5, 6-1 against German sixth seed Julia Goerges, who appeared to be hampered by a left thigh injury in the deciding set.
Longo's husband denies "permanent doping" claims GRENOBLE (AFP) - Patrice Ciprelli, husband and coach of French cyclist Jeannie Longo, spent around 15,000 euros on 15 purchases of EPO since 2007, a source told AFP on Friday, fuelling a theory of "permanent doping", a claim denied by Ciprelli. Prosecutors in Grenoble had stated Thursday that only two purchases were made in May and June 2011 respectively, both for less than 500 euros apiece. However, an investigation conducted by the police while Ciprelli was in custody led to the discovery of a document in his bag that contained a password through which they were able to access an online account used to make EPO orders and track his recent transactions. The orders would then be passed to a Turkish pharmacy through companies based in Mauritius, a source close to the investigation told AFP. "Since 2007, it's a permanent doping," the source added. But Ciprelli's lawyer Pierre Albert hit back: "Patrice Ciprelli categorically denies this allegation from the investigators and considers that this information is misleading." He insisted that Ciprelli had made between three and five orders "at most" for a total sum "between 1,500 and 2,500 euros". Ciprelli "is not sure to have made purchases in 2008," added the lawyer. On Thursday, Ciprelli had acknowledged that he bought EPO "for his personal usage", according to his Albert. In custody since Wednesday morning, Ciprelli was freed yesterday morning under judicial supervision. He is barred from his role as a professional coach and is prohibited from meeting certain people, including Michel Lucatelli, the French ski-cross tean director, to whom he was having his EPO packages delivered. He must also ask the country's authorities for permission before leaving France. Prosecutors opened the investigation against Ciprelli on September 14, a day after the publication of an article in L'Equipe that reported purchases of Chinese-based EPO made in April 2007.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
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Golf: McIlroy, Bjorn share Dubai Desert Classic lead DUBAI (AFP) - World number two Rory McIlroy and redhot Thomas Bjorn shared the lead at the halfway stage of the Dubai Desert Classic on Friday. At the $2.5 million European Tour event, the 2009 champion McIlroy posted an early bogey-free round of seven-under par 65 to set the pace, and his tally of 13-under par 131 was matched later in the day by the 2001 chamion Bjorn (65). Among those lurking behind the leading duo was German world number four Martin Kaymer (67) and English world number three Lee Westwood (65). Kaymer, who made the first hole-in-one of his life during the round, was tied for fourth place at 11-under par 133, while Westwood was another shot behind at 134. Overnight leader Rafael Cabrera-Bello came in with a 69 to be at a 12-under par 132 to be one off the lead. Tied alongside Kaymer were Frenchman Gregory Bourdy (67) and Scotland’s
Sandusky set for May 14 trial date BELLEFONTE (AFP) - Former Penn State assistant American football coach Jerry Sandusky, who faces 52 charges of child sex abuse involving 10 boys, was given a tentative trial date of May 14 on Friday. Judge John Cleland set the date but did not rule on several other issues, including some that would impact the former coach's restricted bail status and one that would seat a jury from outside the college's home county. Prosecutors seek to have Sandusky forced to remain within his home while awaiting trial. Neighbors and staff at a nearby school have complained about Sandusky's presence on his deck with his dog. Attorney Joe Amendola wants his client to be allowed out of his house at times to help with his defense and asked that Sandusky, 68, be allowed to see his grandchildren. Prosecutors objected, saying at least one Sandusky daughter-in-law has major objections to her children spending time with him. Sandusky, who has denied the charges, was the central figure in a scandal that led to the firing of the late Joe Paterno, an inconic coach at Penn State with a record number of wins in US collegiate
gridiron history, and two other officials. He told Cleland that he considered a jury from Centre County would be no more or less biased than one from any other Pennsylvania jurisdiction, a position that would preclude any later charges of jury bias. Paterno was fired last November after not doing more than notifying school authorities when told about Sandusky abusing a boy in the locker room shower.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot during the second round of the Dubai Desert Classic golf
Scott Jamieson (68). The day’s best round was by 2007 champion Henrik Stenson of Sweden. An eight-under par 64 showed the Swede was reaping the reward for all the hard work put in after a knee surgery in December last year, and he surged to tied 11th place at 136. Scoring continued to be easy in exceptional weather conditions and the cut was applied at one-under par 143 and 79 players, including American past champion Fred Couples and Mark O’Meara, made it to the weekend rounds. McIlroy, who is now 14under and bogey-free for his last 29 holes, hit 17 greens in regulation. "I was never really under any pressure early in the round. I just got off to a much better start today and made a couple of birdies early on," said the Northern Irishman. "And it was nice just to sort of pick up birdies along the way unlike yesterday when I had to light it up on the back nine to shoot a score."
"This was very stress-free golf, fairways most of the time, a lot of greens and giving myself a lot of looks. So, overall, I’m really pleased with how I played today and obviously looking forward to the weekend." Denmark's Bjorn, who owns the tournament record of 22-under when he beat Tiger Woods in 2001, said his round was so solid, it was almost boring. "I played well all day. I played the golf course in a way that I want to play the golf course. And you know, there was nothing that that stood out. I just played 18 solid holes of golf," said Bjorn, who was also bogey-free in his round of 65. Cabrera-Bello, looking for his second Tour win, was happy with his position, and said: "To be honest, I played really good today. I might have played even more solid off the tee." He added: "The main difference was the scoring game, obviously. My putting wasn’t as good today. It’s not that I putted bad, it’s just I felt that putts were not dropping in.
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Saturday, February 11, 2012
Federer slumps to shock Davis Cup defeat
Tennis:
GENEVA (AFP) - World number three Roger Federer slumped to a shock 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 defeat to John Isner on Friday as the United States opened up a 2-0 Davis Cup World Group lead over Switzerland. Federer, playing a first round tie for the first time in eight years, saw his 15-match winning streak in the competition ended by the giant Isner on the indoor clay courts at Fribourg. Isner secured victory with three return winners as the 32-time Davis Cup champions moved closer to a quar-
ter-final spot. "The way I played today is the way I need to play in all my matches," said Isner, who paid tribute to captain Jim Courier. "I owe it to Jim Courier -he was on at me to hit all my shots. It's the win of my life." Courier, bidding to lead the United States to a first Davis Cup title since 2007, said Isner got his tactics just right against the 16-time Grand Slam title winner. "The mission was to go out there and not allow an artist a canvas to work with," he said.
Earlier, Mardy Fish had defeated Stanislas Wawrinka 6-2, 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 9-7 in the opening rubber. It was the fifth time in his last six Davis Cup appearances that American number one Fish, who spent four and a half hours on court, had played five sets. "There's something special about the Davis Cup. You just never give up," said Fish. "I feel pretty tired. But I lost a couple of long ones in Austin last year (against Spain), and that feels so bad I just needed to win this one." Former US number one Andy Roddick took to Twitter to congratulate his teammates. "Unreal effort by Davis cup team today over in Switzerland!!! I was pumped watching. Go USA!!!," he wrote. Federer and Wawrinka are due to face Mike Bryan and Ryan Harrison in Saturday's doubles. The eventual winners of the tie will face either France or Canada in April for a place in the semi-finals.
Golf: Aussie Elkington pulls out of Pebble Beach PEBBLE BEACH (AFP) Former PGA Championship winner Steve Elkington of Australia has pulled out of the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am with a rib injury. The 49-year-old from Sydney withdrew after just five holes with a rib injury, the PGA Tour announced on Friday. Elkington has made just two starts this season and withdrew from both tournaments. He also pulled out of
the Humana Challenge with a similar problem. Elkington fired a one-over 73 in the first round at Pebble Beach and played just three holes on Friday before packing it in. He was four over for the round after a double bogey and two bogeys on the back nine of the Spyglass Hill course. Elkington has 12 international victories, including the 1995 PGA Championship.